Kukla's Korner Hockey

He is a veteran superstar who commanded a five-year, $35.25 million contract in the off-season, a former captain and Stanley Cup winner who is widely considered the best clutch player in the N.H.L. None of those prevented Chris Drury from feeling like the new kid at school when he started playing for the Rangers.

“I think a lot of times, you’re just trying not to step on anybody’s toes,” Drury said. “You don’t want to sit on anybody’s seat on the bus or anyone’s seat on the plane or get in someone’s way on the ice.”

But the acquisition of Drury and Scott Gomez, a free-agent center who arrived the same day as Drury, has not provided immediate success. The Rangers (2-3) have sputtered. Every time they want to hit the gas pedal, they grind a few gears.